The irony here is the CEO of Skyventure actually lives in Austin. Go figure that one out.

IMO It takes a multi-millionaire to build one and you have two types in Texas. The computer industry millionaires who hold on to thier money because they don't know where they can make it back next month.

Then the oilfield millionaires who will only invest millions if they can turn a profit in 6 months, not six years.

I’ve heard that there are Entertainment Tax issues in Texas that cause some financial problems for a tunnel. I don’t have any clue if it is true or not but it may be a contributing factor. The only good news about not having one in Texas is it saves me a fortune I’d otherwise spend in the tunnel every bad weather weekend!

I spent two years of my life trying to put one in Houston along with a few Indian Casino locations across the US.

With the help of SkyVenture, we lined up financing and ironed out the technical issues, but still couldn't come up with $1million in cash needed for the start up of the Houston facilitiy then had a rug pulled out from under me.

It is not easy. I have done all of the dues diligence and spent close to $75,000 of my own money in analysis, legal fees and pre-requisites to get one.

Best of luck to those who are interested and if someone wants to purchase my due diligence, it is for sale. The price tag will be $200,000 and will save them allot of time and money in doing the same due diligence which I have already done.

I used to work in a buiding in Austin run by a releasate mogul who was trying to put interest together in Austin to put one on the north end of town. Ran into him in the elevator wearing my tunnelcamp shirt and he asked me about it. I thought about giving him Alan's cell phone number right then, but instead emailed him a couple of office numbers.

that was a year ago. This guy is the same one building an extreme sports park in Cedar Park, TX (near Austin). Don't know what he's done since then on it though.

I was told, by a tunnel employee, that Texas will be getting a wind tunnel in the future. The site has already been purchased. I was also that they are trying to develop a cooling system for the wind tunnels to make the chamber more climate controlled, and depending on how long to develop may postpone the tunnel build.

We would love to see a tunnel in or around the Houston area. Whatever the case we should not listen to anything NWernig has to say about it.....jk Nate.

I was asked to invest in a tunnel project a few years ago. Houston would never be an option. Population has little to do with locating a tunnel. What drives a business like the tunnel business is tourism. Only two places in Texas make any sense when this is considered. San Antonio or Austin. Since the two cities are very close to each other it makes sense to put the tunnel in the more centralized city. This leaves Austin as the only sensible place to be. Not too far from the populations of the Dallas Metroplex and Houston but more importantly close the the huge tourism draw of San Antonio and the tourism of Austin itself. This makes sense since after all the tunnel is really nothing more than an amusement ride for most people. The people doing the tunnel in Texas are the same people that operate several other entertainment parks in the area. Whether it really happens or not who knows but if it does happen it will be in Austin/Cedar Park.

The only other location in Texas that would have half a chance is in Arlington, preferrably off of 360 with in a couple of miles of Six Flags, the Ball Park, Wet-n-Wild (or whatever its called now), the convention center and the airport. All of those things are really close together there and I honestly think that would be the best spot in Texas. Even though its a bit over 3 hours away from me.

Good thinking Dave! Gig 'em! Though thats a five hour drive, but dfw is a major hub too so people would check it out.

The other thought i had was actually having it a a major mall like the galleria bc parents can drop off their kids and be entertained for a bit. So whoever makes millions off that one, i accept free tunnel jumps :)

On a personal note, ITS GREAT TO BE BACK IN TEXAS FOR THANKSGIVING!!!!

The employee that told me this didn't know which city it is to be built in/near. Although he did know that the land has already been purchased, and that a majority of the pre-development activity has been done.

It's about time that the European quality in wind tunnel development is breaking ground in Texas. What I learned during my long stay in the US is that everything in Texas is bigger than elswhere.

Time for the biggest and fastest wind tunnel in the world. The AIR2TUNNEL D20 HS, a 20 foot based wind tunnel with 360 degree glass flightchamber with a height of minimum 24 feet and speeds above 190 mph.

The only type of wind tunnel that is not only using energy, but also generates energy.

I heard that the planned location was north of Austin. There was a couple of group's of investers that was trying to put one in Grapvine (close to DFW airport) but they could not get all of the financing. It was suposed to be at the Gravine Mills Mall!

Yes you are thinking of the correct location. The problem is that malls (that one i now) want a pecentige of gross sales. I believe it was 10 % i would have to check my paper work to be sure. It srews up the buis. plan very bad! A better way would be to put it on your own property that you can own some day, but is still close to a major area.

Nice location, 10% shouldn't be a problem as long as you can offer them something to skip the 10%. AIR2TUNNEL's wind tunnel models are not only the fastest and biggest, but also the most quiet regarding sound polution issues and the only that, not only use our wind tunnels less energy, but they generate energy, which can be sold back to the mall. Energy $$$ for 10%!!!

Just do some serious calculations in the exisiting BP's and you'll find out that the ROI will be profitable!

AIR2TUNNEL's wind tunnel models are not only the fastest and biggest...

Please don't claim for something you haven't built yet. Other tunnel manufacturers have plans or designs for larger tunnels too, but they are professional enough to not shout it out until they have signed contracts for it.

BTW, this is a discussion board, advertising belongs to the classifieds (or maybe PM, if it is a direct proposal). Advertising here is a bad idea and (hopefully) might not last long...

It's about time that the European quality in wind tunnel development is breaking ground in Texas. What I learned during my long stay in the US is that everything in Texas is bigger than elswhere.

Time for the biggest and fastest wind tunnel in the world. The AIR2TUNNEL D20 HS, a 20 foot based wind tunnel with 360 degree glass flightchamber with a height of minimum 24 feet and speeds above 190 mph.

The only type of wind tunnel that is not only using energy, but also generates energy.

More info at www.air2tunnel.com

See ya!

What would the operating cost be? What would an hour cost and at what wind speed would you run for that cost?

What area? Austin is the one I remember hearing about the 'adventure park'. Since Texas has one of if not the strongest economy and is getting better then maybe they are feeling a little better about starting. I hope so!

Schlitterbahn is a German word meaning "slippery road", which represents the water slides in the water parks. German immigrants were a large segment of the pioneers who settled Texas, and their influence is still seen in such names.

Schlitterbahn is a German word meaning "slippery road", which represents the water slides in the water parks. German immigrants were a large segment of the pioneers who settled Texas, and their influence is still seen in such names.

Schlitterbahn is a German word meaning "slippery road", which represents the water slides in the water parks. German immigrants were a large segment of the pioneers who settled Texas, and their influence is still seen in such names.

Just got off the phone with the media guy from Schlitterbauhn. They have purchased a Skyventure tunnel for Cedar Park.

I'll believe it when I see it. These guys are known in the San Antonio area (nothing to do with tunnels) to talk it up just to see what kind of interest there is. It would be great to have and i hope it happens but it just doesn't make sense business wise. I'll bet there's a due diligence clause in the contract.

Just got off the phone with the media guy from Schlitterbauhn. They have purchased a Skyventure tunnel for Cedar Park.

I'll believe it when I see it. These guys are known in the San Antonio area (nothing to do with tunnels) to talk it up just to see what kind of interest there is. It would be great to have and i hope it happens but it just doesn't make sense business wise. I'll bet there's a due diligence clause in the contract.

I watch the tourist industry in Texas like a hawk. It is my lively hood and my future depends on it. Although in time I believe it will rebound, tourism in Texas is down as much as 50% from last year. I also know some details that I am unwilling to discuss on a public forum. Like GR2 said. Let's check back in 2 years.

I saw a crew in the field Schlitterbahn bought when I was driving past the other day. No telling what their layout plans look like, but they had what looked like survey tools. maybe just site prep, but at least it looks like it's moving forward.

The only other location in Texas that would have half a chance is in Arlington, preferrably off of 360 with in a couple of miles of Six Flags, the Ball Park, Wet-n-Wild (or whatever its called now), the convention center and the airport. All of those things are really close together there and I honestly think that would be the best spot in Texas. Even though its a bit over 3 hours away from me.

If only they would. I'm 25 minutes from there. I am dieing for some tunnel action!

I live in Round Rock, not far from Cedar Park. We were just talking about the new Schlitterbahn park today. Coincedently, I was just looking for a tunnel in Texas. Glad to hear one is being planned for the park! It would be a great place to learn some FF skills before getting current again.

By the way, every time I look at the name "Schlitterbahn" I read "Shitter-barn"! I'm just sayin'.

I actually did see a survey crew this week in the field where it's supposed to go up. I drive past the area almost every day. I've no idea when any construction will start, but at this point, with the planned phase one opening 18 months off, I'd bet the schedule is going to slip.

It's not only going to slip off schedule, it's going to slip away. It's not going to happen IMHO. The only way I see it happening is if some rich guy builds himself a toy and the Henry family doesn't operate that way.

A year after announcing plans to build a $360 million water resort in Cedar Park, developers are still seeking the funds to finance the first phase of the project, said Rick Redmond, a partner in the Schlitterbahn resort development.

Changes in bank loan regulations have made acquiring a loan more difficult and created more risk for developers, Redmond said in December.

As a result, the $75 million phase one could be reduced to $45 million, he said. The first phase is still projected to open in May 2012 near FM 1431 and Parmer Lane.

An estimated $6 million in city incentives hinges on timetables for the project’s construction. The incentives would reimburse developers for the cost of public infrastructure improvements that would benefit the city, Redmond said. Additional reimbursements are available for a capped amount of the taxes generated by the park based on how it performs.

The timetables can still be met, but the likelihood narrows as time passes, Cedar Park Economic Development Director Phil Brewer said.

Developers began raising funds in April and expected it would take six months, but they have encountered difficulty finding favorable loans, Redmond said. In past years, developers would raise a small portion of a project’s cost and use a bank loan for the rest.

Redmond said that banks are requiring developers to agree to recourse loans, which allows a bank to go after a developer’s personal assets if the loan defaults, rather than foreclosing on and selling only assets involved in the loan.

Finding investors has not been challenging, but finding investors to sign a recourse loan has, Redmond said.

“Until we get our funding, we can’t build the project. I think it’s just delaying us a little bit, but we’re still working at getting it done,” he said. “The good news is that the area we’re in—Texas and specifically Cedar Park—is one of the best areas to get a project like that done.”

Partners formalized the project with city officials in January 2010, but final plans depend on funding and the park’s success, Redmond said.

The initial plan called for the 96-acre resort to be built in four phases at a cost of approximately $355 million. The plans included a 16-acre convertible water park to be open by May 2012; a 230-room hotel, 45,000 square feet of retail space and a conference center.

A river walk system to connect attractions is slated to be built following phase one’s completion, along with 125,000 square feet of development to go with expansions of earlier phases.

CEDAR PARK — Securing financing for a Schlitterbahn water park in Cedar Park is more promising than a few months ago, and partners say they expect to announce an official timetable in a month or so. Earlier this year, developers found that financing Schlitterbahn Vacation Village in Cedar Park was tougher than expected, but they say things are now looking up.

though there are rumors of scaling back phase 1 (which was slated to have included the tunnel) so they could make the opening deadline of may 2012 to not forfeit the tax breaks from the city.

All I'm saying is that schlitterbahn, who originally announced plans for a tunnel in phase I of their proposed new park in CP, has announced the end to their funding woes and intends to move forward with the project.

Why do you say no tunnel? Just a negative vibe? Or other information you're not sharing?

I personally know the family that owns Schlitterbahn and hence the Cedar Park project. There is a lot going on within that circle that is not conducive to the project moving forward to the point of a tunnel. To answer your question it's both.

The story I heard a number of years ago was that they were looking for investors. Decent-sized minimum outlay per investor (I think it was in the 1/2-1M range), with a capped profit potential (10-15%), and no cap on the potential loss.

Didn't sound like a good deal then, and it still wouldn't.

That was several rumored tunnels ago, though. I have no idea what has happened since then.

There is a portable for sale in florida for $120 k ... needs engines upgraded and a couple of other things,... aprox another 100 K, and it would be an excellent tunnel... 135+ mph, very smooth, ... It does not take millions to have a tunnel. It's called the gemini 1, look for it on bodyflight network.

AggieDave, the Gemini 1 is a completely different design than the tunnel that was based in Houston. And for the record, mobile windtunnels are not made for skydivers, they are made for non-skydivers to play in and have fun. It bothers me when people say they suck when a skydiver is trying to compare a $200k mobile tunnel to a $5mil fixed tunnel. This is an excellent example of apples and oranges. I worked at the tunnel in Houston and I can honestly say I had a blast and brought more smiles to little kids faces. It was very rewarding.

Aggie Dave, you are so far beyond being trained you would not learn anything from any tunnel. And to state a fact, the tunnel in Houston actually helped several skydivers not only pass thier AFF course but also helped a few become better and more informed flyers. It seems you are one of the many brain washed people that think you cant learn anything unless you are flying in a skyventure tunnel. I myself learned quite a bit about what the body has the capability to do in freefall from that little tunnel.

In reply to:

In reply to:

I can honestly say I had a blast and brought more smiles to little kids faces. It was very rewarding.

I have no doubt. It still doesn't provide the jumper community with a trainable tunnel that can also bring smiles to little kid's faces.

Now if you could come up with a tunnel for canopy training, then you'd bring a big smile to this fat little kid's face!

After all this time, I think the most likely way for Texas to get a tunnel is for all Texas jumpers and DZOs to go in on lottery tickets, and when they hit the big one () use the winnings to build a tunnel.

After all this time, I think the most likely way for Texas to get a tunnel is for all Texas jumpers and DZOs to go in on lottery tickets, and when they hit the big one () use the winnings to build a tunnel. Wendy P.

And this thread is almost 5 years old now, and still no sod busted. That right there speaks volumes.

The new iFLY indoor skydiving facility will be located at “Austinville” North retail center located on Highway 183 just a few miles north of the Arboretum. iFLY will neighbor with other family-friendly local businesses such as Amy’s Ice Creams, Phil’s Ice House and Sweet Ritual Bakery. Along with being a great family activity, iFLY indoor skydiving is also perfectly suited for team-building, children’s birthday parties and aerobic exercise that mixes right into Austin’s culture.

James Jeffrey Staff Writer- Austin Business Journal Email Austin is getting Texas’ first indoor skydiving facility scheduled to open in early 2013.

Austin-based iFLY LLC will build the 7,000-square-foot facility in North Austin’s Austinville retail center, on State Highway 183.

The building features a 14-foot-diameter vertical wind tunnel capable of generating wind speeds of up to 160 mph that are used for commercial entertainment, and for professional skydiver and military training. Indoor body flight mimics the experience of free fall skydiving without the parachute.

The Austin location will be the 24th skydiving facility built by iFLY, which has tunnels operating in nine countries.

The manufacturer of vertical wind tunnels was founded in 2006 by world champion skydiver Alan Metni, who serves as CEO.

“IFLY Austin will be the model for future franchise locations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.,” said Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Wallock, adding that the company plans to open 50 new tunnels in the U.S. over the next five years.

“We will launch our new flight school programs, photo and video technologies and new operating software applications,” he said. “We also plan on holding world-class competitions for the growing sport of indoor skydiving.”

IFLY employs a total of 150 workers, 25 of those at the new Austin facility.

Very soon they will be offering steeply discounted time with a few restrictions but well worth the savings. If you can afford a 20 hour block it will be super duper cheap. When they get the new website up is when the pre sale will start. I can't be exactly sure but I think the website will be http://www.iflyworld.com

I spent two years of my life trying to put one in Houston along with a few Indian Casino locations across the US.

With the help of SkyVenture, we lined up financing and ironed out the technical issues, but still couldn't come up with $1million in cash needed for the start up of the Houston facilitiy then had a rug pulled out from under me.

It is not easy. I have done all of the dues diligence and spent close to $75,000 of my own money in analysis, legal fees and pre-requisites to get one.

Best of luck to those who are interested and if someone wants to purchase my due diligence, it is for sale. The price tag will be $200,000 and will save them allot of time and money in doing the same due diligence which I have already done.

Oddly, I was driving to get my Rover serviced yesterday and the shop was directly across the highway from the new I-Fly Austin facility. The stucture itself looks almost totally complete. They still have a bit to go with finishing touches on the front of the building and the parking lot, etc. It doesn't look like they are going to have a lot of parking... It's RIGHT on the side of the highway.

I flew quite a bit of time yesterday and aside from a few glitches the tunnel itself is good to good. It is really nice. Tall glass, no seams, very smooth air and NOT air locked. Not sure how Alan did this but the anti chamber can be opened up and you can walk in and out while the fans are turning. January 15 is the big day. I'm not sure if anyone can fly now or what the deal is. I myself will be hitting it hard for the next 2 weeks. :)